Why You Need to Defrost Your Freezer More Often Than You Think
You might not realize it, but all that pesky frost isn’t just an eyesore—it seriously tanks your freezer’s efficiency, not to mention your patience when you’re trying to organize frozen food. Freezer manufacturers recommend giving your appliance a decent clean at least every six months, but depending on how quickly ice builds up, you may be tackling the job more often than you’d like. Here’s a handy rule of thumb: any time the layer of ice is thicker than a fifth of an inch (half a centimeter), it’s time to grab your cleaning supplies. And let’s be honest, it often gets there way faster than six months!
The Usual Way Takes Ages—But Here’s a Genius Foil Hack
Traditionally, defrosting your freezer means unplugging the whole thing, emptying it out, and waiting for the ice to melt at its own sweet pace. Not exactly the fastest route, especially if you need your freezer cold again ASAP. Luckily, there’s a much quicker and surprisingly effective alternative: using aluminum foil!
- Start by covering the walls of your freezer with sheets of aluminum foil, making sure every icy patch is well covered.
- Next, heat up some water in a saucepan (pick a pot that’s sizable, but slim enough to fit inside the freezer with the door closed).
- Once the water is boiling, place the pot inside your freezer and close the door.
Just a few minutes later, open the freezer and you’ll find the ice comes off easily with a spatula—no elbow grease required! If you run into any stubborn spots where the ice is still hanging on for dear life, dip a cloth in hot water and rub it over the aluminum foil. Once you’ve banished all traces of ice, wipe down the freezer with white vinegar.
Why Aluminum Foil Works So Well
This trick is so effective because aluminum foil is a great conductor of heat. It helps distribute the warmth from the pot of boiling water throughout the freezer, which melts the ice much faster than just waiting around.
Save Time, Energy, and Money
By combining the power of aluminum foil and a little steam, you’ll not only save yourself a heap of time and hassle—you’ll also keep your freezer working at its most energy-efficient. A clean, regularly defrosted freezer uses less power, performs better for longer, and helps you save real money on your utility bills in the long run. So go on, give your frost the cold shoulder!
